Intellectual progress leads to purpose of existence

To the editor:

Recent civil rights issues and changes in attitude toward the gay community indicate that Americans are becoming more sensitive and compassionate, even though the loss of our middle class reveals that our system of government and the rules of Wall Street need a major correction.

People in the rest of the world also seem to have a deeper awareness of human rights, which may indicate that mankind itself is approaching another major turning point in a long process of improvement similar to the 17th century period of Enlightenment. Long before Martin Luther made his protest that led to the rejection of many irrational and unfair religious and political ideas, the majority of common people knew things were not as they ought to be. They felt trapped, and they had negative attitudes similar to the present majority of ordinary people.

However, the Enlightenment did not result from a sudden increase in brain size, it happened because many people, as individuals, began to do their own thinking, which resulted in the establishment of science, better politics and more religious freedom.

Our recent increase in poverty and hopelessness results from outdated partisan politics and a mistaken belief that “more is better,” which allowed the special interests of Wall Street to manipulate the economic checks and balances put in place by our founding fathers. Our former middle class now has to make-do with minimum wage jobs and food stamps, and many are dependent on government welfare programs.

It is likely that our leaders will continue to be unable to change the status quo, but a surge of individualism will eventually give mankind a giant leap forward. Until then, our survival depends on holding fast to the old fashioned standards of behavior, which requires that the good of the larger group must always come first. We must also be mindful that participation in the functions of the local community make our survival possible.

Politics are inadequate, religion is divisive and wealth does not bring happiness. A worthwhile future lies in using our own minds to develop a worldview that is in harmony with the laws of physics and is concerned with individual rights and the survival of the community. Through a continuing process of introspection, we will realize that our local community is the major source of our “God-given blessings,” and that peace of mind is the highest good we can aspire toward. In our own little corner of the world, we experience the pain and sorrows of life, as well as the joy, pleasure and disappointments of being human.

When all is said and done, we will realize that intellectual progress and emotional maturity is the source of our contentment and the purpose of our existence.

Art Carney

Wasilla